CMM Probe Verification for Correct Stylus Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) often rely on human operators to select and verify probes or styli, which can lead to errors in measurement processes due to the lack of confirmation of appropriate measurement tools before starting or completing a measurement task.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for CMMs that automatically detect and confirm whether a probe or stylus meets specified criteria before measurement, allowing for the selection and mounting of the appropriate tool, ensuring accurate measurements by temporarily suspending the process if the tool does not meet specifications and replacing it with a suitable one.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human operators manually select and verify probes or styli, then the measurement process can proceed, but errors in measurement processes occur due to lack of confirmation of appropriate measurement tools
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and verification of the probe or stylus before the measurement process begins. The CMM detects the indicium on the measurement tool, verifies its identity against the required specification, and confirms appropriateness before allowing measurements to proceed, preventing errors from incorrect tool selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by detecting the indicium on the probe or stylus and comparing it against the required specification. This feedback mechanism confirms whether the correct measurement tool is being used, alerting operators to any mismatches before measurements are taken
2Measurement precision
If the CMM automatically detects and confirms the probe or stylus before measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an indicium as an intermediary element that carries identification information on the probe or stylus. This intermediary enables automatic detection and verification without requiring complex analysis of the entire measurement tool, simplifying the verification process while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual visual inspection and verification with automatic optical or sensor-based detection of the indicium. This substitution eliminates human error in tool verification while using relatively simple detection mechanisms rather than complex analysis systems
3Reliability
If the CMM suspends the process to replace an incorrect probe or stylus, then measurement reliability improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification of the probe or stylus is performed in advance before the measurement process begins. By detecting and confirming the correct tool early, the system prevents interruptions during actual measurements, improving overall productivity despite the initial verification step
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically detecting the indicium and determining whether the correct probe or stylus is present. This automated self-check reduces the need for operator intervention and manual verification, minimizing process suspension time while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments improve the performance and reliability of coordinate measuring machines by verifying that the coordinate measuring machine is configured to use the appropriate probe or stylus for measuring an object. In some embodiments, confirmation that the appropriate probe or stylus is mounted is built into an automated part of the CMM's measurement process, thereby assuring that a confirmation step is performed and that the outcome is correct.